The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has bared its plan of installing free internet connection in 94 major tourist spots in a bid to support the Department of Tourism's (DOT) effort to establish the Philippines as the primary tourist destination in the world.
In a press briefing at the Malacañang on Tuesday, May 16, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said they will first install free internet in the 46 tourist destinations identified as a priority. These includes Baguio, Palawan, Boracay, Benguet, and Cebu.
"This is a joint initiative of the Department of Tourism and Department of Information and Communications Technology in order to ensure that our tourists will have a complete experience in the tourism areas," he said.
Uy pointed out that providing internet connectivity is "critical" as many tourists are vloggers who create travel video content.
"This will also be our marketing tool in propagating the message to them, how they are having fun in the Philippines and how they are enjoying the Philippine experience," he said.
According to Uy, the free internet would be installed in the 46 priority destinations by next quarter.
"In the second half, mostly likely, the end of the year, we'll have the full 100% coverage," he added.